6 Places to Swim in Moscow This Summer

Those who haven’t managed to escape the city for the dacha can take a break from the long hot summer days at one of the Russian capital’s beaches or pools.

With the help of health watchdog Rozkomnadzor and local news site 360tv, The Moscow Times has your guide to six of the best places to cool down this summer.

Serebryanny Bor Beach 1; Serebryanny Bor Beach 2

What: This idyllic recreation park upstream of the capital is a great place to relax with friends or family. Surrounded by a forest, visitors can also rent rowboats in addition to going for a swim in the river. There are lounge chairs and a playground on site as well as a restaurant.

Entrance: Free

Where: 46 Tamanskaya Ulitsa, on the territory of the Serebryanny Bor Park

Troparyеvo

What: Visitors to this picturesque park in southern Moscow can hire rowboats, bicycles and Segways or go zorbing in addition to paddling in the lake. While the park's official web site still says swimming is forbidden, the 360tv news site reported Tuesday that it will be allowed at the site this year.

Entrance: Free

Where: 12 Ulitsa Akademika Vinogradova on the territory of the Troparevsky Park

The Bassein (The Swimming Pool)

What: This recreational area in the center of the city comes complete with a synthetic beach and two pools, one of which is heated. For an extra fee, visitors can also play table tennis, badminton or rent a frisbee. There is a cafe onsite. The pool opens Saturday, May 30.

Entrance: Adults — 400 rubles during the week, 600 rubles on the weekend; Children — 150 rubles during the week, 200 rubles on the weekend.

Luzhniki

What: An outdoor complex complete with two swimming pools: a larger one for those wishing to exercise and a smaller one for those who just want to take a dip. There is also a volleyball pitch on site. You will need a medical certificate to swim in the pools. The pools open in June.

Bolshoi Gorodskoi Prud (Big Municipal Pond)

What: Visitors can relax on a beach surrounding this small lake in the town of Zelenograd, which lies outside of Moscow. There is also a small playground nearby making it a good spot to go for families.

Entrance: Free

Where: On the territory of Park Pobedy in Zelenograd.

Getting there: Minibus No. 476 from the Rechnoi Vokzal metro station, exiting at the stop by the Palace of Culture.